Leica
M10 Monochrom
40MP black-and-white-only digital M with no color filter array for maximum monochrome acuity.
$8,395
Launch priceReleased Jan 2020
Leica
SL3
60MP L-mount flagship with 8K video and Leica color science.
$6,995
Launch priceReleased Mar 2024
SL3 is 4.2 years newer.
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Wins
M10 Monochrom
Wins
SL3
6 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BSL3 has higher AF points / zones (779 vs 49)
- BSL3 has higher ISO max (native) (100,000 vs 25,600)
- BSL3 has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
- BSL3 has higher EVF resolution (5,760,000 vs 3,690,000)
- BSL3 has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 20 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareM10 Monochrom
139 × 80 × 39 mm
660 g (1.46 lb / 23.28 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
SL3
141 × 108 × 85 mm
769 g (1.70 lb / 27.13 oz)
M10 Monochrom is 2mm narrower, 28mm shorter, and 46mm thinner than SL3.
M10 Monochrom is 109 g lighter than SL3.
Depth (front-to-back): 39mm M10 Monochrom · 85mm SL3
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
M10 Monochrom
139 × 80 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
SL3
141 × 108 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
M10 Monochrom
139 × 39 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
SL3
141 × 85 mm
Sensor size, to scale
M10 Monochrom
35.8 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
856 mm² area
SL3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
M10 Monochrom: mount data unavailable
SL3
✓ more lensesLeica L
80+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
M10 Monochrom
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 139, 80, 39
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only M10 Monochrom supports it
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 5 stops — higher is better
Weight
660 g vs 769 g — lower is better
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 7 fps — higher is better
Reasons to choose
SL3
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 141.2, 108, 84.6
AF points / zones
779 vs 49 — higher is better
ISO max (native)
100,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
ISO min (native)
50 vs 100 — lower is better
Internal RAW video
Only SL3 supports it
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B
EVF resolution
5,760,000 vs 3,690,000 — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 20 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 100 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 150 Mbps
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
M10 Monochrom
Pros
- ✓40MP monochrome sensor
- ✓No Bayer filter
- ✓Stunning B&W files
- ✓Classic M body
Cons
- –Monochrome only
- –Manual focus
- –Very niche
SL3
Pros
- ✓60MP
- ✓8K video
- ✓Leica build
- ✓L-mount
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Heavy
- –Large files
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the M10 Monochrom and SL3 at major authorized retailers.
Leica M10 Monochrom
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for video, M10 Monochrom or SL3?
SL3 scores 9.0/10 versus 6.0/10 for M10 Monochrom — 8K recording for future-proof footage.
What's the resolution difference between the M10 Monochrom and SL3?
M10 Monochrom is 40.89 MP and SL3 is 60.3 MP, so the SL3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the M10 Monochrom and SL3 have in-body image stabilization?
M10 Monochrom has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while SL3 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the M10 Monochrom or the SL3?
M10 Monochrom reaches 20 fps electronic. SL3 reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the M10 Monochrom and SL3?
M10 Monochrom weighs 660 g and SL3 weighs 769 g, so the M10 Monochrom is 109 g lighter.
Do the M10 Monochrom and SL3 record 4K video?
M10 Monochrom: 4K up to 60p. SL3: 8K / C8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the M10 Monochrom and SL3 weather sealed?
M10 Monochrom: Yes. SL3: Yes.
How much does each cost?
M10 Monochrom launched at $8,395 and SL3 at $6,995. The SL3 is $1,400 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way M10 Monochrom vs SL3 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica press materials.